Posts Tagged ‘small brands’
Interview: Latvian Handbag Designer Anya Sushko
Company/Designer Name: Anya Sushko by Anna Sushko
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
An university degree in interior design and a desire to be an architect brought me to London, where I was accepted for a fashion degree at Central Saint Martins’s College where eventually I‘ve decided to be a fashion designer. I cut my teeth at Alexander McQueen’s studio in London, working on the haute couture line. With the encouragement of my university mentor, I later turned my hand to designing and producing high quality bags in my own name. When the ANYA SUSHKO brand caught the eye of fashion connoisseurs and received an exhibition invite at Paris Fashion Week, it was time for me to focus solely on my own signature line.
Why did you join Noblivity®? To gain exposure in the US market
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
The strong silhouettes and well-accentuated shapes of Anya Sushko’s bags mirror my innate flair and passion for architecture.
I design for self-confident, fashion-forward women, with a vivid personality and strong individuality, who likes to stand out and what she chooses to wear helps her achieve that. The Anya Sushko woman is her own decision-maker and trusts her instincts.
What inspires you?
I take inspirations from everything and everyone, whatever catches my eye. In the past, I took inspiration from the human body, gothic architecture and the serene Baltic scenery, amongst which I spent my childhood, all reflected in the well accentuated structure and silhouettes characteristic of my bags
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Below points reflect our current obstacles which we learn to deal with on a day to day life. These difficulties don’t just disappear within a day, at some point they get easier. Running a business is an ongoing process which hopefully improves through time in all aspects.
• I think most known obstacle in any upcoming brand’s life is financial side. I don’t have a sponsor/ investor, or funding behind me, so I have to think about how to support the business.
• All products are produced in London in our studio therefore our bags are quite expensive. Consequently, it makes it harder to find suitable clients who’d trust unknown brand and risk to buy the product at a higher price point.
• Competing in a saturated and very crowded market place is a challenge. On the PR front, we do everything in house and we are often thrown back by competitors who can afford the advertising we cannot.
• Dealing with factories, big / small quantities. Factories do not want to produce small quantities so as a small brand we are pushed either pay more or order large quantities or not work with some factories at all.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
• Never seize to look for new opportunities. Work for other clients, brands, designers developing their collections which bring additional income. Applying for various grants.
• As we are London based brand and all handbags are produced here, we’d like to keep our production here and not move it to China, Spain, and Turkey to cut the cost. Nowadays, it is rare to have product made in UK, therefore this is one of the aspects why our brand is unique and special.
For this reason our product will always be more expensive. However we’d give discounts to our loyal customers, look for new stores and projects to participate in order to expand brand awareness and gain an invaluable trust from those who’d like to try our product.
• Participating in various charity events, give away free gifts. Invent interesting competitions through which people can learn about our product.
• Keep searching for useful reliable suppliers and build the relationships with existing ones.
Sometimes purchase large quantities of the additional accessories in order to maintain the factory.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Seeing my collection exhibited at Paris Fashion Week, on the pages of the cult fashion magazines and above all, on the shoulders of women all over the world.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? I am trying to develop from complicated designs which were more haute couture than ready-to-wear to more basic, wearable shapes keeping the signature style.
What’s next for your brand?
Expanding and developing in all possible ways. Hopefully build relationship with US stores. If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? I would employ a top notch sales team and showroom to place my product in front of the right buyers and press at every opportunity.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is seeing the idea conceived in your imagination come to fruition. Also addressing a customer need. Worst is the challenge to get your product in front of the right audience and being given a chance of exposure.
Describe your typical day?
Most of my day is taken by Designing and Crafting bags with my team in the studio. In the afternoons and evenings, I catch up with admin and with managing my business, I speak to my PR team, I liaise with customers, I make sure my website is up to speed. I do enjoy speaking to the Noblivity team when I have the chance!
What is your philosophy of life?
Do everything to the very best of my abilities and with passion. Never be sorry about what’s done and hopefully learn from my mistakes. Accept things I can’t change and move forward!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
As I was very ambitious straight after BA within few months I have started my own business. I would probably now start working for a well-known brand first, build my profile and then slowly move to start my own business.
When will you know you have made it?
When I see my product completely sell out and open Anya Sushko shops in cities like New York, Moscow, London, Paris etc etc.
Noblivity Welcomes Meg & Me….
Noblivity’s dynamic duo aka Jodie and Beth hit the streets this weekend. They had the pleasure of visiting Noblivity’s newest member Meg & Me…
While admiring Naperville’s newest contemporary women’s boutique and meeting Meg and her fabulous team, Jodie and Beth showed a few of the amazing brands in the Marketplace! The store is absolutely wonderful and the merchandise mix is stylish and fun. It’s a must-stop if you are in Naperville.
Welcome Meg!
Interview: South African Designer Amanda-Leigh O’Connell for Eponymous
Company/Designer Name: Eponymous/Amanda-Leigh O’Connell
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I worked in banking as a risk manager for many years – I have an Honours degree in Business Science – before moving towards fashion. In that time I was always experimenting with creative hobbies but only during a period of major change in my life did I make it my primary focus. After a few years of school, research, and planning I started Eponymous.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I think that Noblivity is a wonderful way for our brand to reach new customers and markets. Noblivity is in essence about networks and creating connections, and any venture that seeks to develop these is great!
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style is definitely influenced by my first career – in that time I learned to appreciate both the masculine elements of tailoring and the subtle details that differentiate one’s often conservative working wardrobe. So there’s an element of restraint and minimalism in my design which I think suits leather, often considered an investment piece. But a touch of romance too because I always, always want my customer to look and feel beautiful.
My target customer is the woman who approaches fashion thoughtfully. I’ve found that for my existing clients age has been less of a factor, rather it’s the approach to fashion that has been important. If you see your wardrobe as an asset, if every piece that gets incorporated into your visual identity is approached carefully with consideration and you want stand-out investment pieces, Eponymous may be for you!
What inspires you?
Ideas, technology, the way society is developing. I’m very interested in the relationships between people, things. There is an incredible interconnectivity in life and I try to incorporate as much of that into Eponymous from design to the way the business is managed.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I knew nothing about anything! There was no pre-existing network to tap into, no ‘Guide to the South African fashion design industry’ to buy. I really had to start from scratch and build up my knowledge and skills in so many areas – from illustration to garment construction to supply chain management.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Initially I didn’t realise just how much my previous career would eventually help me, particularly with research and analysis. I also went to school, bought some great books, I engaged with local technical universities and organisations, freelancers, online forums – I carried on searching until I found people who know more than I did to teach me.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Showing my first range! Eponymous is entirely my creation – it did not exist before and now there’s a brand, with products and a story. That point when I had my first range, the first tangible evidence of years of learning, planning, preparation, and work, was a very special moment.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
I’m trying to create a mix between investment classics and new shapes. The first range was more commercially orientated but I’m moving to create leather pieces that are more unique and interesting, without sacrificing wearability and longevity. And definitely more minimalism to come.
What’s next for your brand?
We’re experimenting more with combining leather and other fabrics, we’re launching a small handbag range early next year to accompany our leather pieces and we’re also incorporating some basics – like silk shirts. The latter is really about providing our clients with options that are specifically created to accompany our leather pieces – with respect to fabrication, lines and proportions.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would expand the range a little – we still do 7-8 pieces a season – and then get on a plane and go to some of the best trade shows around the world. And send samples to every showroom I could, too.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is the creative process where you have to consider all the elements of a fashion product – concept, materials, construction, finances, deadlines – it’s like an enormous puzzle that you have to solve to make it work. The worst, or at least the scariest part, is just before the release of your range, when you realise that even though you have done your best you have no real control over how the range will be perceived and bought. Your fate rests entirely in the hands of others!
Describe your typical day?
First news – politics and business, in that order – then social media updates. Followed by some planning and jotting down of new ideas. Then it’s checking emails, and after that…. depends on schedule! Being a small manufacturer every aspect of the business rests on my shoulders, from design to logistics to marketing. So my day is either office/studio bound where I tackle tasks as they’ve been prioritised on my project plan or I’m on the road meeting people in the industry, sourcing, visiting private clients, etc. Fashion is anything but glamorous 99% of the time!
What is your philosophy of life?
I think that we all have a personal relationship with the world, what we need it do for us and what we need to do for it, but we all do need to be productive. I’m always striving to create excellence, to share knowledge, to encourage and to show compassion. It’s a big reason why I started Eponymous; I wanted to shape the world around me in very particular ways and I couldn’t do that working for big corporate banks.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started sooner, transitioned from the research to the implementation faster. So much is learnt from doing that I think I could have made more progress sooner. I would also have taken more risks with design earlier on, I think I’ve erred towards being safe and so I’m very excited about the future – I’m going to push (my!) boundaries even more.
When will you know you have made it?
Ultimately, Eponymous needs to consistently combine the creative and financial to be sustainable. If Eponymous is still around in 10 years time I’ll have made it!
Interview: Columbian Jewelry Designer Juliana Otalora for Jocus Joyas
Company/Designer Name: Jocus Joyas/ Juliana Otálora
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I started taking jewelry classes 7 years ago, first making jewelry for myself and little by little I fell in love with jewelry making, with the art of transforming metals into jewels, being able to create objects, to materialize my ideas, and to become skilled working with my hands. That made me realize that I wanted to turn my passion into a life project.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I think is a great idea to help new designers to open up new markets. There´s a lot of talent, but it is not always easy to have the resources to be able to get into international markets, this is a good way to do it.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style is very feminine, Jocus aims to connect with women´s taste for jewels, making them feel beautiful and unique. That´s why I try to innovate through different lines and designs. My target customers are women for whom jewels are part of their style, women who search for exclusivity , that’s why the production of each Jocus piece is limited. I design for women that appreciate the fact that someone dedicates time and energy designing and making the jewels that they are going to wear.
What inspires you?
Nature, as a way to connect with the world around us, and use earth´s beautiful natural resources in a sustainable way
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
More than obstacles I see them as opportunities, I’ve had to learn about how to create a company. I´m still learning about the business side, as I´m more used to design and production. Marketing is new to me, that´s why systems like Noblivity are so important.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Learning from each one of them, analyzing why they happen and what changes I need to make to overcome them.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
When I see people really enjoying wearing my jewelry, is a great moment every day. A specific example was going to one of the most important fashion fairs in Latin America, Colombiamoda 2011, and seeing the stand with my jewelry. The most recent was seeing models wearing my jewelry on the runway at the fashion show of an important Colombian designer.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
I have started to work with new materials that I hadn’t worked with before. I respond to my customers preferences, I have to be open- minded and able to make changes and try new things.
What’s next for your brand?
To consolidate my position in the Colombian market, and to open new opportunities in international markets.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would like to participate in fairs around the world, and to open a store in Bogotá.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is watching customers when they like my designs and are excited about trying them on, especially when they are faithful clients who are looking forward to seeing my new designs. The worst is finding new markets which requires a lot of patience.
Describe your typical day?
Each day is different, there are some days in which I work in the workshop, others where I visit clients and try to look for new customers, and others where I keep my administration up to date. Its critical to maintain a balance.
What is your philosophy of life?
Try to be happy and to help other people. One of my main goals is to generate work, to be able to help other people in their professional development as well as in their personal development. Just as I discovered that jewelry is my passion and what moves me every day, I try to help others to discover the same passion and joy and love for their work.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started much earlier, I would love to be further down the road right now.
When will you know you have made it?
When my brand is recognized throughout the Colombian national market, when I have international clients who appreciate my work and the quality of my jewelry. When I have too many orders, then I´ll know that I have made it.
Interview: Occomeia All Natural Beauty Skin Care Goes to the White House
Company/Designer Name: Occomeia Skin Care/Todd Occomy
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started? I am a physician by trade and originally formulated an organic skincare line for myself. I was fed up with all of the harmful carcinogens in most products and decided I would create one without these ingredients that would be more effective.
Why did you join Noblivity®? To realize a distribution partner that would give our products exposure in a niche market setting.
What inspires you? Innovation that improves healthcare outcomes
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? Just being a newcomer in a field with major players that have millions to dedicate to marketing and sales
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way? Introducing my product to family and friends and letting the word of mouth referrals take over
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? Becoming the top selling product (within 3 months of launching) for a national consumer direct cosmetics company. Also having my product chosen by All Natural Beauty to be included in a line of products sent to the White House!
What’s next for your brand? Distribution expansion
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? Sending out samples and getting feedback…that is how we have and will continue to develop the line.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? The time commitment that you know you will have to put in to make it a true success
What is your philosophy of life? Stay healthy , fit and Happy! These are truly the only things you have complete control of.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would have invented it 10 years ago
When will you know you have made it? When I see it ion every retailers shelves in the world.
Interview: Award-Winning Israeli Fine Jewelry Designer Hella Ganor
Company/Designer Name: HELLA GANOR – Ella Designs LTD.
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I have graduated 25 years ago “Umanit” school of art –Jewelry design department in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Ever Since I am active in Israel designing, creating, and selling my Jewelry (Through my own gallery) combining traditional jewel smith methods with my own technical developments. What makes my Jewels unique is its design and use of many different materials, traditional (Gold, Silver, precious and semiprecious stones.) and nontraditional such as Stainless steel, Wood, Felt, Porcelain, and many other industrial materials. I do combine materials in a nontraditional manner.
My latest line of Jewels “The NETLINE” was launched in Israel in May 2011.
It is a unique line that culminate my Jewel smith experience, my computer design skills and 3D rapid prototyping knowledge.
The use of such novel technologies actually broaden my pallet and enabled me to create a whole new line of Jewels, with shapes and forms that could never be reached using traditional methods.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
As I’m based in Israel and looking for new markets I found it very interesting to have under one roof – introduction to potential customers + sales + shipping in the US +collection.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My designs are based on Geometry and architectural vision that transforms to organic forms that hugs the human body they, are soft yet solid at the same time.
What inspires you?
Being also a sculpture I am inspired by Traditional ART, Modern ART and quite obviously Architecture.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
It is not easy to create and manufacture pieces as in “The NETLINE” as they are seemingly not feasible. Key obstacles are both with design issues as well as manufacturing.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Smile!
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
The sheer enjoyment of getting to the moment of seeing your vision materializing into a new piece exactly as you hoped for.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Transform my working bench to the computer is one of the biggest changes in the last few years.
What’s next for your brand?
Smile again.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I believe “The NETLINE” to be a unique and special new line of jewels. The proof is the enthusiasm this line got from customers both here in Israel since its launch and in The Netherlands when participated in a jewelry trade show a month ago. That means I need to have the product be introduced to its potential customers both in the USA, Europe and Japan.
Had money been no issue I would start a marketing campaign in major relevant channels including key magazines, exhibitions and the Internet. I would love to have a point of presence in key cities such as New York, Chicago, SF, LA, and other major US cities as well as London, Paris, Tokyo and other European cities. Such Point of presence should act mainly as anchor for people to simply actually see the beauty of this product line and not just as a selling point. At the same time as the product gets more known creating a strong Internet presence in a solid and reliable fashion.
What’s next for your brand?
You have seen my “NETLINE” jewels, could you draw the plan for me?
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
It is always fun to start with new beginnings. Entry barriers are obviously a major issue.
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
This is not a hypothetical question. I CANNOT and WILL not fail! And I believe I do the right things for it not to fail including this communication with you.
What is your philosophy of life?
Life is too short, there is no time to waste on doing things you do not enjoy or deal with people you do not like!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I am happy with my life and most probably would not change a thing.
When will you know you have made it?
This is obviously a complicated question that has many different levels. I guess you mean on a business level. If that is what you mean then I will be happy to see my Jewels being a known brand and a desired product.
Interview: Chicago Fine Jewelry Designer Meredith Marks
Company/Designer Name: Meredith Marks
Designer Background
I grew up in Chicago and the fashion districts of Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, and come from a family that was always involved in fashion. I remember my mother coordinating charity fashion shows and as a former model, I have always been tied to the fashion industry, which combined with my passion for jewelry, was a natural transition into jewelry design.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I wanted to take advantage of the unique opportunity Noblivity offers designers to reach boutiques. I would like to gain access and exposure to national and international boutiques.
How did you get started?
Well, it all stemmed from a trip to Asia. I was so inspired by the culture and the colors I saw that I began to explore the idea of creating my own pieces using the experience as inspiration. On that trip, I began to source and handpick stones to include in my own collection.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My jewelry reflects inspirations of my Asian travels and embodies the natural beauty and culture of the countries where I have traveled. I like to combine the practicality of multi-functional pieces with the raw beauty of natural stones and foreign motifs. I use gold, silver, precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds and semi- precious colored stones such as moonstone or amethyst, melding them into creative modern designs with a classic twist. My customer is a sophisticated, fashionable woman who enjoys the beauty of my pieces.
What inspires you?
Colors and patterns I see in nature inspire me, as well as my travels to India and Thailand. I am often intrigued and inspired by the motifs found in those cultures.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Selling to the first store is an obstacle that every new designer must overcome. I also spent time carefully thinking about who I wanted my manufacturer to be. I wanted to find someone that I am comfortable with and someone I am confident can provide a quality product in a timely fashion.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Every day I feel I grow as a designer and learn more about my product and myself. Each moment that I gain access to a new clients and networks, I feel an immense sense of accomplishment.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Initially I focused on traditional Indian designs, but as the company has grown, I have become more involved in a more modern style with a variety of inspirations.
What’s next for your brand?
Gaining access to and representation in more boutiques!
If money were no object, what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would plan and execute an extensive PR campaign to spread the word about my jewelry.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best and most gratifying part is seeing the product sell and seeing customers enjoy wearing my pieces. The worst part is gaining access to the boutiques I would like to see my jewelry in.
Describe your typical day?
Every day is different at Meredith Marks! From filling invoices to planning events to designing new pieces, I am always working on developing my brand.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I truly believe that each step was important in my development as a designer and businessperson. I would not change anything about my experiences; I only look to grow and continue to learn.
When will you know you have made it?
It is such a continual process; I don’t think I could pinpoint a specific moment that would mean “success” for me. I think every new day, new piece, and new customer is a success – I can only hope the list of accomplishments continues to grow!
Interview: Italian Designer Ludovico Annoni for New Zealand Mueslii
Company/Designer Name: MUESLII NZ/Ludovico Annoni
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
We believed that the world of accessories presented a great opportunity to innovate in terms of design and trends. We wanted to prove that it was possible to create a new family of products and a new “ design language” from an initial concept bag. As the project developed we realized that it was not only feasible, but that it also could be turned into a commercial success.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
We joined Noblivity because we believe it’s a valid marketplace to promote our emerging brand. 
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Contemporary, pop, coloured style. Our strength is a multicultural in-house design team based in Milan, continuously scouting the world for new materials, concepts and innovation. We focus on a cross segment customer base.
What inspires you?
We deliberately took the puff coat as inspiration, applying the same aesthetic concept to a product conventionally made with different materials and manufacturing techniques.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
The goal we set out to achieve was to innovate a product conventionally made with certain materials and manufacturing techniques. We tried to develop a new way of interpreting bags, which kept the archetypal shape of the same product combined with the look and feel of a down jacket. It wasn’t an easy challenge, since it’s very difficult to introduce substantial innovations to such a well established and commercial product, and even more difficult to reach an equilibrium between design and price.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
We just got better and better along the way, learning from our mistakes and optimizing our design.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
When we realized we had set a new design language which has been followed by some of the major market competitors.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
We moved from the value of design to designing the value: dreams are back(packs).
What’s next for your brand?
We has set the goal to extend our family of products avoiding to become a total look brand.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
A super-bowl commercial is next on our wish list.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The thing we love the most is designing and launching new products. It means for us sailing the world to discover new ideas, mixing and matching different materials, designs, styles and concept.
On the other side, the worst thing is waiting for the products to reach the shelves.
Describe your typical day?
Work and fun, work and fun….at the same time.
What is your philosophy of life?
Work and fun, work and fun….at the same time.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
With the hindsight, we might have changed a few details to make it an even better marketable product, which is what we did with next releases.
When will you know you have made it?
See above…super-bowl commercial…
Interview: South African Designer Nicole Rasmussen for Nucleus
Company/Designer Name: Nucleus / Body, Nicole Rasmussen
Designer Background Summary:
After many years of learning lessons and growing my brand I started Body. This is my casual-wear women’s label, it was inspired by not having anything to wear while working out and wanting to look good while doing the basic things in life, like grocery shopping.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I wanted access to International Boutiques without physically finding them.
How did you get started?
I Studied Fashion Design at the University of Johannesburg, in South Africa. After graduating I moved to Cape Town and started Nucleus with Machine Knitted Garments. From there I moved onto woven’s and other fabrics.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Comfortable, well-fitting, current classics with edge. My target customers are women 25 – 55 years, who are comfortable in their own skin, who want a garment that is current even in a few years and who are effortlessly stylish.
What inspires you? Nature – the idea what I’d envision wearing in a certain place. Seeing a great piece of fabric. I try and picture in an ideal world what I’d like to wear for a certain season, at a function or on holiday.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Being taken seriously as a professional and viable label. Creating the right ranges for my customers. Finding good partners in the industry. Marketing my label and of course cash-flow.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
A process of trial and error, perseverance and was lucky enough to have my families help. I also made good contacts which in-turn helped me find the right people to help me in various aspects of my business.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Being asked by Poetry a big retail Boutique chain to do a range for them “Nucleus by Poetry” and still supplying them with new styles to this day.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
It’s been a natural progression; from season to season I believe my designs improve. I think it’s a process of learning from mistakes and triumphs and applying them.
What’s next for your brand?
I would like to export to other countries besides South Africa.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would show my ranges at Trade Shows like Magic or Bread and Butter.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
Timing is a big problem, from fabric arriving on time, to manufacturer’s ability to produce your garments on time to a good standard. And delivering to your customer’s on-time. But generally we get it right.
The reward however is great when you see someone wearing your garment, it’s published in a fashion editorial or you can’t keep up with production of that garment.
Describe your typical day?
I don’t really have a typical day. But my day always starts with looking after my daughter first. Then I go into my studio and start. Generally I’m very busy and don’t really have much free time. I take care of Designing, Pattern making, fabric sourcing, manufacture, seeing clients and all the ten million other little things. I have a brilliant and very well organized assistant who takes care of Admin, Stock Distribution, and Liaising with clients, designing a bit on the side and everything else I can’t do.
What is your philosophy of life?
I strive to be happy.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing
When will you know you have made it?
Not sure if you ever make it. I acknowledge my achievements as they happen but there is always something to strive for.
Small Business 2012 Predictions, Video Views Stats, 89MM Shoppers…
Small Business Saturday Results (thestreet)
An estimated 103 million shoppers visited independently owned businesses on Small Business Saturday, up from the forecast of 89 million shoppers.
Small Business 2012 Tax Considerations (independentretailer)
Small businesses will not only be following new rules and regulations, but also new filing systems.
How To Reach the Video Audience? (emarketer)
Among online video viewers, watching premium content is becoming increasingly popular. eMarketer estimates that 49% of US adult online video viewers watched full-length TV shows on the web at least monthly this year, rising to 62.8% by 2015. Full-length movies are also becoming popular for web viewing, with 37.1% of US adult online video viewers downloading or streaming at least one feature film monthly in 2011. That viewership rate is expected to increase to 54.1% in 2015.
Small Business Marketing Effectiveness (driveyoursuccess)
It’s time to understand inbound marketing vs. outbound marketing and why one has taken over the other in terms of increasing marketing return on investment.
What’s in store for retail in 2012 (stores)
The next 12 months will yield more partnerships — between retailers and vendors and between retailers and their competitors.
Interview: Swedish Designer Heléne Johansson for Cloud Cuckoo
Company/Designer: Cloud Cucko/Helene Johansson
Designer Background Summary:
I always loved to draw as a kid and the art classes in elementary school were my favourites. Later on I developed a passion for clothes and the way one can express oneself through fashion. I got a sewing machine and started making my own designs. Later on I attended “Tillskärarakademin” for a course in construction and design in Stockholm, Sweden and the year after I attended “IED” for a course in accessories and shoe design in Rome, Italy. Besides studying I made my own jewellery that I sold in some smaller boutiques in Stockholm and 2010 I started my own fashion brand.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I found Noblivity by casually searching for online marketplaces for fashion designers. I love the B2B idea where retail buyers and vendors can connect, and I hope that Noblivity will be a steppingstone for my brand and that it will help me to grow my business. 
How did you get started?
I have always been very creative and have known for many years that I wanted to try the fashion designer profession. I always had so may ideas for designs that I couldn’t find in stores that I finally decided to give it a try and stated my own brand.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your target customer?
I would like to describe my brand as chic, sensual and minimalist but with a daring and edgy touch to it. I want my designs to be very wearable and expressive at the same time.
My pieces are influenced by vintage fashion mixed with modern trends. I try to mirror the big city chic and create timeless pieces, carefully put together to create an effortless, but yet sensual, chic and feminine appearance. Individual pieces can be dressed up or worn casually, by a wide range of women, all depending on how you combine the clothes.
My first collection includes some exclusive basic garments, easily combined with pieces from any woman’s wardrobe. But is also carries some real “one-of-a-kind” pieces such as a beautifully patterned silk set of blouse and skirt, and a pleated bolero with rhinestone embellished shoulders.
What inspires you?
I can find inspiration everywhere, which I think is important for a designer. One need to be able to channel the creativity and find inspiration from various fields beside the fashion industry. Mostly I get my inspiration from films, magazines, books, art exhibitions or simply by watching people on the street.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
As I practically had no working experience from the field before I started my brand and I had to crash and burn a couple of times before I learnt how the market works. The biggest problem for me was the financial part as all mistakes during the way tend to be rather costly experiences.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Learning by doing has been my motto along the way so far.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
I think it was during the photo shoot of the first collection. Of course I had already seen the samples of the finished products, but it was when I saw the designs on the models that I got the “wow feeling”, that something that once was only a sketch could look so good as a finished garment.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
There haven’t been many changes as this is my first collection, but I can feel that I care more and more for the little details, a beautiful zipper or a delicate high quality button can make a huge difference on the final result.
What’s next for your brand?
I would love to add shoes, handbags and other accessories to the line, and hope to be able to do so shortly.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would attend to every trade fair I could find. Buyers want to able to see and touch the designs before purchasing and trade fairs is the perfect meeting point for designs and buyers. And of course it would also be great to have the funds and assets to put ads in magazines.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a designer is seeing someone on the street wearing my designs. To know that someone liked your product so much that she actually put money down for it and feel comfortable wearing it makes it worth all the hard work.
Describe your typical day?
It depends a lot of where I am in the cycle of the season. Some days I can focus on the design part but mostly it is a mix of searching for fabrics, sketching down ideas attending phone calls and responding emails. As I work alone I am responsible for every aspect of the business. I have the role of a designer, assistant, salesperson, web developer, sample maker, production head etc. It can be very stressful and hard at times as I don’t have the natural personality for all parts. My strength is the design itself and my weakness is the sales of the finished products. At the same time as I feel very proud about the collection I feel it hard to go to the stores and try to sell it. I guess it’s a matter of ones personality.
What is your philosophy of life?
Find out what your true talent is, stick to it, develop it as far as you possibly can and nourish it. Once you find the way to combine your talent with your actual profession I believe you will find happiness, fulfillment and harmony in life.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I cannot say that I would do anything differently but I would encourage others to get some working experience before starting your own label. The more you know about the industry before you get started the better.
When will you know you have made it?
Such a hard question, but I guess I will feel that I have made it when I can live by doing what I love; designing. It would be great to be able to commit 100% to the business and not having to worry about the economical assets to make it float.
